Booyong Mountain

part 9

by

Lois Kay

The shadows on the ceiling painted different shapes as Sam gave her thoughts
free rein while her eyes followed a shadow that looked like a big bug. Involuntarily
Sam smiled when her thoughts traveled to her two year old daughter. Taryn loved
insects and whenever she spotted one, the little girl squealed in delight. It
was amazing to have two children, twins, who were so different. Taryn was adventurous
and reckless, always chattering to herself and her brother, while Timothy was
more deliberate than his sister. More quiet. But, just like his twin, he always
had a sunny smile ready for anybody who would greet them. It was a copy of Jodys
smile and Sam could not be happier about that. It was warm, friendly and always
welcoming and she could only hope their children would grow up to be like her
partner.

Sam let out a small sigh and glanced aside to the subject of her thoughts.
Jody was fast asleep, her head pillowed on Sams shoulder, pinning the other
woman to the mattress with an arm and leg that were draped around Sams body.
It was, by far, Jodys favorite position to sleep in and even though Sam
sometimes teased her about it, she loved it as well. It gave her the opportunity
to study Jodys peaceful features, something of which she would never get
enough. Just laying in bed, holding the woman that had stolen her heart so many
years ago, was still something that filled her with awe and wonder. And the fact
that their loving union had been blessed with two healthy children, only added
to her gratitude.

Sams eyes traveled to a little box on the wall, next to the door. The
feint glow of a tiny green light was reassuring. The security system was working,
keeping an electronic eye on her loved ones and Sam knew it would sound the alarm
as soon as somebody or something would approach the house. From any angle.

Peter Jones brother, Gary, kept her informed about the latest equipment
and Sam was always willing to upgrade the system. There was no price too high
to keep her family safe.

I havent heard anything yet, Sam, but as soon as I do, Ill let
you know. I promise, Trishias words echoed in her mind.

That evening she had spent some time on the phone with the police woman. Sam
knew Trishia blamed herself for missing what she called an obvious clue. Sam didnt
blame her though. Who could have thought there might be a link between Steven
Hayes, who had been dead for more than three years now, and the things that had
happened in the past few days?

Trishia was going over all the information that concerned the situation with
The Reef. Somehow there was a link between what had happened then and what was
happening now. Trishia had told Sam that she was convinced Joe Michaels played
a crucial role. But before she would head to his prison cell to question him,
she needed more information. She didnt expect much from the man, but she
knew she had to try. And maybe Fred would be able to shed some light on the case.

Sam chuckled when she remembered the wry tone in Trishias voice when
she had told her Lucy insisted she was to tell the inmate artist to stop sketching
her sister. Although Fiona had not seemed to be bothered by it at all.

Fiona.

Sam smiled in the darkness and unconsciously tightened her grip on Jodys
warm body.

Fiona McDonnell had finally fallen in love. Or, at least, she thought she had.
And Sam could not tease her. Jody had been very specific about that. But the thought
alone was amazing. Sam loved her sister-in-law dearly and she truly wanted to
see her happy, but as soon as she would get the opportunity, shed make sure
to let Fiona feel what it was like to be in love and being teased about it.

"Whats that smug smile for?" a sleepy voice sounded in her
ear and when Sam turned her head, she looked straight in a pair of lazily blinking
eyes.

Within a few minutes Sam felt her eyes grow heavy and it didnt take long
before her breathing deepened and her body and mind drifted off in a deep, undisturbed
sleep.

The green light in the security box glowed steadfastly in the darkness of the
night.

Trying not to bump into anything, Robin made her way through the dark apartment.
She was headed for the kitchen, to take another pain pill. In her sleep she had
turned on her side and the dull, throbbing pain in her shoulder had awoken her
immediately. She did not like taking medication, but if she didnt take anything,
she knew she would not be able to go back to sleep.

Finding her way in the darkness, Robin managed to find a glass and filled it
with cold water. She knew Fiona had put the small bottle with pills in the corner
of the counter top and it didnt take her any trouble to find it and remove
a pill. She quickly swallowed it down and emptied her glass.

Turning around to return to the bedroom, she suddenly froze in her tracks when
her ears picked up the feint, but unmistakable sound of breathing. Holding her
own breath, Robin stepped into the livingroom and her eyes, adjusted to the darkness,
fell on the couch, where she detected the sleeping form of Fiona.

"What the...?" she whispered, convinced that Fiona had gone to bed
when Robin had. She had heard Fiona go into the bedroom next to hers and she wondered
why the photographer was sleeping on the couch that was way too small for her
to stretch out on. It really didnt look very comfortable for the tall woman.

Robin nibbled her bottom lip and wondered if it would be a good idea to wake
up Fiona, so she could spend the rest of the night in a more comfortable bed.
After a few moments of indecision se decided against it. She didnt want
to wake the other woman and rob her of any sleep.

Robin was about to turn around when her eyes fell on the blanket Fiona had
given her before. It had slid on the floor next to the couch. Deciding she could
at least cover the photographer with the blanket, Robin stepped closer, careful
to not make a sound and grabbed the soft blanket, spreading it out and covering
Fionas sleeping form. When she took a step back, her eyes fell on a small
pile of photos that were neatly stacked on the coffee table and curiously she
bent forward to take a better look.

Robin gasped and with wide eyes she reached out and grabbed the pictures, so
she could study them closer. With astonishment she looked at a photo of herself.
She had no idea when Fiona had taken the picture, but it must have been before
her tumble down the mountain, because her face was clean and unscathed.

Robin didnt know whether to be annoyed or flattered to secretly have
her picture taken. Sinking down in the chair opposite the couch, she looked at
the close-up Fiona had made.

The light of the moon was not enough to really notice any colors, but sufficient
to see that the photo was a good one. Robin had been wearing her Akubra hat and
was staring intently at something in the distance. A few curls had escaped from
underneath her hat and were playfully dangling on her forehead.

Robin realized Fiona must have taken the picture when she had been on the mountain
and curiously she looked at the other pictures in the small stack. There was one
more picture of her, sitting on a huge boulder, her arms wrapped her knees that
were pulled up against her chest. Again she was staring into the distance, but
this time a small smile curved her lips and Robin knew exactly when the picture
had been taken and what she had been staring at. She had been watching the antics
of two little possums, thoroughly enjoying the solitude of the wilderness.

Robin softly snorted and cast a look at the sleeping Fiona. So much for solitude.
Apparently she had not been alone. Somebody had been lurking around the bushes.

Sometimes, when I see something beautiful, or amazing, I just have to take
a picture of it. Its almost a compulsive disorder, Fionas voice
echoed in her mind and Robin smiled.

"I guess I should be flattered," she mumbled softly, carefully putting
the photos back on the table.

Leaning back into the comfortable chair, Robin stared at Fiona with pensive
eyes. The photographer had talked to her about her relationship with her father,
or the lack thereof and Robin tried to imagine what it would have been like, to
grow up without the loving support of her own father.

It would have been horrible, she knew. She had always been very close to her
father, whom she adored. His resignation from the police force and his unexpected
death had left deep wounds she thought would never completely heal.

If her father would have disowned her, like David McDonnell had his two eldest
daughters, she knew she would have been miserable for the rest of her life.

Thank you, dad, for loving me, no matter what.

Robin swallowed hard and rapidly blinked a few times to clear her eyes from
the tears she felt stinging. With a deep sigh, she stared at the couch. She felt
that Fiona had opened up a little more, which she was grateful for, but it was
still hard to figure out the private person that was Fiona McDonnell.

Robins eyes traveled to the photographers face, noticing how relaxed
and young she looked while asleep. Watching somebody sleep was pretty intimate
and Robin felt like she was taking advantage of the situation, but still, she
couldnt look away.

Fionas breathing was deep and regular. She was laying on her side, with
her knees pulled up. One hand was tucked underneath her chin and the dark, shoulder-length
hair framed the freckled face that looked pale in the light of the moon.

Robin smiled, fighting the urge to lean forward and brush away a strand of
hair that partly covered Fionas cheek. She silently wondered if the dark
hair would feel as soft and silky as it looked. It probably would. Just like Fionas
skin and lips.

Robins eyes flew open, while her heart jumped in her chest and she almost
gasped in surprise. Deep down inside something stirred. Something that had been
trampled on and had withered away. Something she thought was long dead.

"No, this cant be," she whispered to herself. "Not now.
Not ever," she swallowed away the lump in her throat, suddenly feeling very
sad and miserable. "Not Fiona."

Trying not to make a sound, Robin jumped up from the chair and, without looking
back, quickly walked to the guest bedroom, softly closing the door behind her.

In the living room a pair of dark-green eyes stared at the ceiling with a pained,
troubled expression. A single tear slid down, reflecting the pale moonlight. It
touched a small cut on the bridge of Fionas nose, before it landed on her
hand.

Sleep had become elusive.

It was still dark when he left and carefully slid the huge rock in front of
the opening. But that was alright. He was used to the dark. He had come to love
it. There was safety in the impenetrable darkness. The night had become his friend,
many years ago. The light of the day was too harsh and threatening. It was unforgiven
and merciless and showed him things he did not want to see, like the look in peoples
eyes, or the expression on their faces.

The emotional pain had been so much worse than the physical pain he had been
through. Until one day, the whispered words and rejection had become too much
to handle. He had made a mistake, he knew, a grave one and thats when he
decided to leave. He ran, looking for a place to hide and time to heal.

In the eyes of the world he was a freak, a monster and there was no chance
that anyone would ever be able to see through the repulsive outside, to really
see the person inside. No one would ever know about his struggle. The endless,
sleepless nights, filled with pain. And regret. No one would ever know about his
deep longing to belong. Somewhere. Anywhere.

The man had tracked him down. How, he still did not know. He had offered him
money and a home, but he had declined. All he wanted was to be left in peace.

And then he had told him about the murder. The cold, heartless taking of the
life of a person he had known so well. It had felt like his heart had been ripped
out of his chest and he had howled in grief, anger and frustration. And he had
sworn revenge.

The man had smiled and had given him a small box. And some instructions. He
had followed them to the letter and all he had to do now, was wait.

But he was ready.

With blazing eyes, Trishia slammed her fist on the table, making the young
man who was sitting across from her, jump in surprise.

"For crying out loud, Fred. Why dont you tell me the truth?"

"I am," the young man almost cried, while his brown eyes looked at
Peter Jones pleadingly.

Trishias partner was standing behind her, casually leaning against the
wall. He seemed relaxed, almost absent minded, but looks were deceptive. Peters
eyes took in every little move Fred made and his ears picked up on every sound,
no matter how soft.

"I am telling the truth. Im sorry about Fi...Miss McDonnells
picture. I never meant to...I never...I didnt know someone from here would
recognize her. I just drew her from memory. Shes very pretty and I just...I
just..."

"We get the picture," Trishia sighed. "Listen Fred, for the...umpteenth
time, I need you to tell me about Kevin Swanson. According to him, you sent him
to warn Samantha Stevens about something."

"But I didnt," Fred sighed, looking Trishia straight in the
eyes. "Honest to God, Senior-Sergeant, I didnt. I swear." Fred
swallowed hard and plucked the hem of his shirt nervously.

Peter Jones cast a look at his partner and stepped closer to the table. He
had not forgotten that the frightened young man had been very helpful after they
had arrested Joe Michaels. And he had been very sincere in his feelings of guilt
and regret.

"Its alright, Fred," he spoke gently and from the corner of
his eye he saw Trishia take a step back. Inwardly he chuckled. It was like they
were playing a game of Good cop, bad cop. "I believe you, I really
do. But the fact that you didnt send Kevin Swanson, only makes this case
more complicated. We really need some information, Fred. People could be in danger."

Fred nodded and cast down his eyes, fighting hard not to lose his composure
in the presence of the two police officers. The last few years had been very hard
on him, but he knew that when he was released from his captivity, he would make
sure never to do anything that would land him behind bars again. He had promised
himself that.

But how could he protect the only person in the world who meant anything to
him, if he was locked up, with nowhere to go? His hands were tied and Fred knew
his best option would be to trust Trishia Waters and Peter Jones. No matter what
would happen to him. It was the right thing to do.

"They know where she lives," he almost whispered.

"Who?" Trishia immediately asked. "Fiona?"

"I dont know about that," Fred answered with an audible quiver
in his voice. "But they know where Nancy lives. My sister."

"And where is that?" Peter asked, not unfriendly.

Freds reaction to that question was unexpected and involuntarily both
Peter and Trishia took a step back, when the timid young man suddenly jumped up
and kicked back his chair.

"I dont know_ " he yelled. "Ive no damn idea
where she lives_ How sick is that, huh? Thats how screwed up my life
is. I dont even know where my own sister lives. Ive no idea how or
where to reach her, while those sick bastards know exactly where to find her.
They made that very clear."

Trishia and Peter exchanged a look that was a mixture of surprise, anger, frustration
and worry.

"Calm down, Fred," Trishia responded, walking around the table to
pick up the chair, while Peter gestured to the guard outside the door that everything
was under control.

"Take a seat, mate," Peter urged the young man, pointing to the chair.
"You need to tell us everything, alright? Im sure we can help you and
your sister, but you need to talk to us. We re your best bet to keep her
safe."

"I know," Fred answered, slowly sinking back in his chair. "I
know that. Im sorry. I guess I should be glad youre here. There was
no way I could contact you."

"You could have told the guards you had some information for us,"
Trishia replied calmly. "Im sure they would have contacted us."

Trishia paused, which had the desired effect, because Fred looked up at her
expectantly.

"Do you have any idea whos behind all this?"

Fred nodded and without looking away he answered immediately.

"Joe Michaels."

"I still cant believe Trish didnt want to tell me anything,"
Sam mumbled, using the remote control to flip through the tv channels mindlessly.

"Stop pouting, Sam," Jody answered, looking up from the photo-album
she was working on. Fiona had given her some new pictures of the twins and Jody
had decided to put them in the ever-growing album immediately. "You know
Trish cant tell you everything she sees and hears. Shes in
the middle of an investigation."

"But its been almost four days," Sam sighed.

"Yes and one of those days was spent with Lucy, to celebrate," Jody
replied, smiling when she remembered her sisters unexpected, but welcome
visit, after her trip to the gynecologist. Lucy had been beaming and had even
cried a few moments when Timothy had crawled unto her lap to give her a hug. She
had blamed it on her changing hormone levels and the two sisters had laughed heartily
about that.

"Youre behaving like a spoiled two year old," Jody immediately
answered calmly, but there was a twinkle in her eyes.

"Our kids are not spoiled," Sam responded predictably.

"No, they re not. But you are," Jody dead-panned, grinning
when she noticed a pair of indignant blue eyes looking up at her from the couch.

"Sam, honey, I know you want this whole situation solved as soon as possible,
we all do. But Trishia has to go by the rules. She and her team are working hard
to get the answers they re looking for. Im sure shell tell you
as soon as she can."

With an impatience gesture, Sam turned off the TV and dropped the remote control
on the low coffee table, making a mental note to put it away later, to prevent
her children from dissecting it in the morning.

"I know, youre right, as usual," she answered with a wry smile.
"Im being a selfish, heartless, inconsiderate wench."

"I know Im bad, but isnt that what makes me so irresistible?"
Sam grinned, bringing her head closer to Jodys. "Come on, baby, you
can tell me," she purred in a shapely ear, chuckling when she noticed the
goose bumps appear on Jodys skin.

"Alright, alright," Jody laughed, rubbing her arm. "Havent
you seen them together?"

Sams face suddenly became serious and she frowned when her thoughts went
over the past few days.

"Um, no, not really," she answered.

"What does that tell you?"

"It seemed to me that, at first, they were getting along fine. You think
something happened?"

"They re avoiding each other, Sam," Jody sighed, pressing her
cheek against Sams shoulder. "And they both look like theyre
missing a lot of sleep. The few moments I see them together, they both seem to...perk
up a little. And Ive seen the way they look at each other. But they
re both scared out of their senses."

"Mmm," Sam sighed. "What are were going to do about it,
love?"

"We cant interfere in their lives, Sam," Jody answered, but
Sam detected a hint of amusement in her lovers voice and she pulled her
partner closer.

"I didnt do a thing," Jody laughed. "I might have made
a few suggestions though, but thats all."

"And those were...what exactly?"

"Oh, nothing special. It seemed to me that the girls would probably feel
a bit more comfortable to be away from their curious families, so I told Robin
about that really nice art gallery in Brisbane and I might have mentioned the
fact that Fionas leaving for Brisbane tomorrow, to do that beauty pageant
thing," Jody smiled.

"And you couldnt resist and told her they could always spend the
night with Alice and Yarra, am I right?"

"It doesnt seem logical, Sam, for Robin to stay at a hotel while
Fi stays with the girls."

"No, not logical at all," Sam agreed with a laugh. "And you
call me bad? Youre a little matchmaker."

"No, Im not," Jody shook her head. "But I do believe the
match is there. Its just a matter of making them see that as well."

"Do you really believe Robin and Fiona would make a good couple?"
Sam asked seriously.

"Yes, honey, I do," Jody nodded. "First of all, theres
the mutual attraction. They probably think theyre doing a good job hiding
it from the rest of the world, but they arent. Secondly, Ive always
pictured Fiona with someone whos a little older than she is. She needs somebody
stable, sensible and patient. Someone who sees through the outside facade and
notices the person Fiona is really. Ive got the distinct feeling Robin is
doing just that. Thirdly, Robin needs somebody wholl make her see all the
good, little things in life. Someone who makes her laugh and who can drag her
out of her self-induced emotional vacuum. Someone who shares her interests and
loves her for her brain as well."

"Wow, youre turning into quite the psychologist," Sam grinned,
but her voice was filled with admiration. "Sounds to me like youve
worked it all out."

"Im trying to," Jody chuckled with a mischievous glint in her
eyes. "Now, if only the girls will follow my plan..."

"Of course she will, honey," Jody smiled sweetly. "Shes
in love_ Shell accept anything to be around Robin, even though she tries
very hard to show us something different. Shell accept my...subtle meddling
with grace, dignity and gratitude."

"Jody McDonnell," Sam laughed. "You are priceless_ But I
do hope youre right about it. What if your plan backfires?"

"It wont, Sam," Jody answered seriously. "They both have
it bad. Besides, I do have a feeling about all this."

"Ah, your intuition," Sam smiled knowingly, seeing her partner nod.
Stretching out her arms, Sam wrapped them around Jody and pulled her off the chair,
straight into her arms.

"You re such a...sweetheart. Im so lucky to have you in my
life," Sam sighed happily, kissing Jodys forehead.

"Maybe I dont say it often enough," Sam spoke softly, brushing
Jodys cheek with her lips. "But that day I ran into you, literally,
at The Reef, has been a turning point in my life."

"I know," Jody answered, resting her cheek against Sams shoulder,
while snuggling closer into the warm embrace. "For eight long years we hadnt
seen each other and then all of a sudden you came back into my life. And you know
what?" Jody raised her head and cast Sam a look full of wonder. "We
havent been apart since."

"No, we havent," Sam nodded. "I think it was supposed
to be that way."

"Id like to think so," Jody answered, reaching up and stroking
Sams cheek with her fingertips. "I love you, Sam."

"I love you too, my beautiful," Sam smiled, reveling in the warmth
and love that radiated from Jodys eyes. "Do you think we can risk a
kiss, before Joshua comes back in?"

The taller woman did not object and their lips met. For a few precious moments
their world was centered around each other and when they finally broke apart,
they remained in each others arms, soaking up the feeling that fueled and strengthened
their bond every single day.

"Thanks for giving me a ride, Fiona," Robin spoke, staring out of
the car window. Somehow it was too much to look at the photographer and see the
patient long-suffering in those captivating dark-green eyes.

"Its nice to have company, Robin," Fiona answered softly, taking
a quick glance at the woman who was sitting next to her in the car. As always,
the far-away, almost sad look on Robins face caused a stab of pain in Fionas
chest. Something she tried hard to ignore.

The last few days it had been painfully obvious that Robin Adams was trying
to avoid her. The biologist had made an effort never to be alone with her in the
same room. That knowledge, combined with the softly spoken words Fionas
ears had picked up that one night when Robin had found her sleeping on the couch,
caused the photographers heart to ache every time she laid eyes on the other
woman. Fiona knew the best thing to do, was to stay away from Robin, but somehow
she couldnt. She was drawn to her and even though it hurt to be around her,
the ache was even worse when she could not be with her at all. Thats why
Jodys suggestion had been so welcome. Fiona would never admit it, but she
was grateful for her sisters meddling. She had dreaded not being home for
the weekend. And even though she knew there would be times she would regret taking
Robin along, she was determined to soak up and enjoy every little, precious moment.

Fiona cast a look in the rearview mirror, seeing the dense green forest behind
them as they slowly made their way down the hill. Kurt had finally given up following
her car and the dog had returned to the top of the hill, where a big bowl of fresh
water would be waiting for him. He would drink and then seek out his favorite
spot underneath the tree, patiently waiting until his pack would be complete again.

Robin cast a look aside, stealing a glance of the dark-haired photographers
face. She didnt understand where the amused twinkle had disappeared to.
It had been there every time Fiona interacted with her family, even with Josh,
but as soon as the two of them were alone, it was gone, replaced by a pensive
look, sometimes even by a dark, brooding one. Robin missed that mischievous twinkle
and she tried very hard not to think about the reason why. Deep down in her heart
she knew it though, but it was so hard to comprehend, let alone accept.

That night, when she had watched Fiona sleep on the couch, it had been as if,
all of a sudden, a blindfold had been torn away from her eyes, making them hurt
with the clarity of what was right in front of her. It had scared her and after
she had fled to the safe darkness of the bedroom, she had been awake all night,
tossing and turning, trying to come up with something, anything, that would make
sense of the turmoil inside. It filled her with a mixture of happiness, pain,
anticipation and, above all, fear. No matter how many times she kept telling herself
that this was Fiona and not Abigail, a nightmare from the past, a persistent little
voice in the back of her mind kept reminding her of the distance that needed to
be maintained. There was safety in distance.

Robin sighed and leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes to block out the
world around her.

How long would she be able to keep her distance? When would she cave in and
let the feelings she kept fighting off, take a hold of her? When would she set
herself up for another heartbreak?

Robins eyes flew open when the car came to a stop and when she cast a
look aside it was into a pair of concerned, dark-green eyes.

"Are you alright?" Fiona asked with a small frown.

Robin tried to send the photographer a reassuring smile, but it was like her
facial muscles had been paralyzed. She could only nod.

"Im okay," she answered with a hoarse voice.

"I could turn around and drive back up, if you want me to," Fiona
continued in a soft voice.

"No, its alright, Fiona," Robin almost whispered, avoiding
the probing eyes that were so confusing. "Really."

"Its just that...darn," Fiona sighed, raking her fingers through
her hair with a gesture that showed her frustration. "Robin, you dont have to come, if you dont want to. If youd rather stay here
its..."

A warm hand was suddenly placed on her arm and Fiona stopped in mid-sentence.
She swallowed hard when she noticed a pair of hazel eyes looking straight at her,
and for a moment it was hard to breathe. Especially when Robin smiled. That small
smile which made her heart skip a beat and her palms sweat.

"Fiona, I do want to come, alright? Stop fussing," Robin rebuked
gently. "Im a big girl and I decided to go to Brisbane, because I want
to, not because I feel I have to."

"Beauty pageants are boring," Fiona remarked dryly, but there was
a twinkle in her eyes and immediately Robin felt her spirit soar.

"Ive never been to one," she confessed with a chuckle. "It
might be interesting and...educational."

Especially seeing you at work. You re the reason Im going anyway. The thought of not being able to see you for the next two days is maddening.
Jody knows that. I could see it in her eyes. She knows...

"Robin, I...," Fiona halted and took a deep breath. What was it Jody
had told her? To stay true to herself? To be honest with herself? Fiona sucked
in her bottom lip and tried to ignore the nervous ball in the pit of her stomach.

What would happen if she would tell Robin? The biologist would not be angry...would
she? The worst thing that could happen, was Robin jumping out of the car and walking
back up the hill. In that case, Fiona knew she would never see her again. That
would be too much to bear.

"Im glad you re coming," she finally said, knowing from
the look in Robins eyes that the other woman knew that was not what she
had wanted to say and mentally she slapped herself. Maybe she would get another
chance soon. Although the idea made her almost tremble in fear, she knew she had
to tell Robin.

Fiona sent Robin a small smile, feeling a grave sense of loss when the other
woman pulled back her hand. It was hard not to give into the urge to reach out
and grab that warm hand and hold it between her own. Robins hands looked
so soft and strong at the same time and Fiona wished she could hold them and run
her fingers over the silky looking skin, kiss the palms and....

Robin must have read her mind, because the hazel eyes darkened and no matter
how hard she tried, Fiona could not tear her gaze away. With fascination she watched
a small ray of sunshine fall into Robins face, painting golden specks in
the green, brown and grey of her eyes. And there was something else as well. A
small flicker of hope and joy, but as soon as it had appeared it disappeared again,
leaving Fiona wondering whether her imagination had been playing tricks with her
mind.

Taking a deep breath, Fiona squared her shoulders and reluctantly turned her
attention back to the road. They were are the bottom of the hill and as soon as
they would pass the creek, they would be close to the main road.

"Wed better get going," she sighed, putting her car back in
gear and slowly crossing the wooden bridge. The big, sturdy poles rattled underneath
the wheels and Fiona chuckled when she heard Robins soft gasp.

"Dont worry. This bridge has been here for a long time and believe
it or not, its still in great condition. Sam had it inspected just a couple
of months ago."

She was interrupted by a curse, while Fiona slammed the brakes, immediately
stretching out her left arm to keep Robin from flying forward. But the biologist
was wearing her seatbelt, which had tightened as soon as Fionas foot had
stepped on the brake.

"What the...?" she could hear Fiona mumble and even though the car
had skidded to a stop, the protective arm was still holding her in place.

"What is it? I...Oh, my God," Robin whispered. "Fiona_ "

"I know, I know," Fiona answered, putting the car in reverse, intending
to back up on the bridge. But she didnt get far. The sound of a muted explosion
made them both jump in surprise and when Fiona looked over her shoulder, she noticed
half of the bridge had disappeared into the creek below it. There was no way she
could drive back up the hill and the big truck she had managed to avoid when,
all of a sudden, it had pulled up in front of her, was blocking the only route
to escape. Grasping Robins hand, she gave it an encouraging squeeze.

"Hang in there, alright?" she whispered, before a gloved hand softly,
but persistently tapped the window, gesturing Fiona to open the door.

"What if I dont?" she asked softly, aware of the nuzzle of
a gun that was pointed at her chest. "You think the glass would...?"

Fiona took a deep breath, fighting the rage and fear that had welled up inside
of her the moment a tall, broad- shouldered man had jumped out of the truck. He
was wearing a mask and Fiona knew, without a doubt, he was the person she had
taken a picture of that day on the mountain.

Exchanging a glance with Robin, who was very pale, but seemed to be calm, Fiona
slowly unlocked and opened the door. She could only hope and pray that the security
cameras Sam had installed were doing their job, recording every moment of their
ordeal.